Cardinal George Discusses Church’s Future, Stays Quiet On His Own

CHICAGO (CBS) — The leader of the Catholic Church in Chicago, Francis Cardinal George discussed changes he sees on the horizon under Pope Francis, who is expected to name the Cardinal’s replacement this year.

WBBM’s Mike Krauser reports Cardinal George spoke at DePaul University’s Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology Conference about Pope Francis and the future of the Church.

“He know how to govern and he certainly has great heart for the poor. What was a surprise to me was the populist approach to his ministry,” said Cardinal George.

Cardinal George Discusses Church's Future, Quiet On His Own

The Cardinal was asked if the Church will be different in three years.

“Less, perhaps, emphasis on the service organization and a lot more emphasis on the Church as a missionary core that doesn’t exist for itself, but exists for the salvation of the world,” said Cardinal George.

It is widely believed that this year the Pope will accept Cardinal George’s resignation, given two years ago when he turned 75 as is required under Church law.

The Cardinal didn’t want to discuss that, but his successor according to experts will likely be someone whose vision for the future of the Church mirrors that of the Pope.

Mike Krauser

Mike Krauser has been a reporter, anchor, producer, writer, managing editor and news director during a career that started in Chicago in the late 1980's.
His first love is reporting, "Telling stories on the radio," he says, "doesn't feel like...